Europe: EU Issues Warning About Discrimination and Harassment

In a statement for an International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the High Representative on behalf of the EU explains that "discrimination and harassment against LGBTI persons have no place anywhere in the world. Equality, freedom, human dignity, non-discrimination and justice are fundamental universal values that the EU firmly upholds. They are applicable to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The statement goes on to say that: “The EU is deeply concerned that sexual orientation and gender identity are being used to justify human rights violations worldwide. LGBTI persons are disproportionately targeted by violence, discrimination, harassment and stigmatisation as well as disinformation weaponising hate against LGBTI persons.

"The EU denounces all forms of discrimination and harassment of LGBTI persons, including, hate speech and hate crimes. We reject all forms of incitement to violence, online and offline, and strongly condemn laws criminalising consensual same-sex conduct, which violate international human rights standards. Despite worrying setbacks in recent years, progress continues. Last year, two more countries decriminalised same-sex relations and several others witnessed positive advancements for human rights of LGBTI persons.

"In the EU, we will continue to advance equality. The European Commission, as outlined in its political guidelines, will propose an updated strategy on LGBTIQ equality including on banning so-called conversion practices and on tackling persistent hate-motivated harassment and violence, including online.